Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie
The Exorcist made its movie premier in December 1973; record audiences across the world went to watch it. The reaction of the moviegoers to the consequences were as disturbing as the film itself. Many fainted or vomited, while others sat terrified and unable to move.
Fathers William Bowdern and Walter Halloran were among those who went to see the movie, but they knew first-hand how terrifying an exorcism is as they performed the real-life exorcism on which the film was based, back in 1949. It was their story that William Peter Blatty’s book was written, and the play’s writer John Pielmeier used; there were quite a few differences from the movie.
The synopsis of The Exorcist centres around a young girl Regan (Susannah Edgley) who with her mother move into a new home and she finds a Ouija board and starts playing with it. Initially scratching and banging can be heard, these were intensified with film screening and movements of the back wall of the bedroom. Regan starts acting in strange and disturbing ways, doctors, psychiatrists and finally her mother begs Father Karras to intervene and perform an exorcism. Karras approach the church and they send a higher appointed priest to help.
Although based on the book, there are many similarities from the film. The memorable illusions of spinning heads, creepy sexual acts, profanity and furniture moving all magnified using flashes of light, sound effects and smoke.
As they characters become introduced through the story; Regan is a sweet, thoughtful and happy girl even though she wishes for word from her estranged father. The delightful Uncle Burke (Tristram Wymark), an over drinking eccentric who is a constant visitor to the house. Chris (Sophie Ward), Regan’s mother, working as an actress is loving but I felt that her character was a bit flat, gosh if it was my child who was in that situation, I would not be as calm. Then you have the disillusioned Father Damien Karras (Ben Caplan) who is summing his life up, filled with regret, searching for meaning and has lost his faith after the death of his mother. He is on a journey of self-discovery and ends up at the forefront casting out this evil demon. Father Merrin (Paul Nicholas) comes to help Karras perform the exorcism. He appears frail, with a heart condition; it’s hard to imagine that he would be strong enough to do the deed. A great cast but a bit more passion is required by some of the characters to make their role persona more realistic and connected to each other and the storyline.
Technically, The Exorcist on stage is amazing; using screens and projections create a vision shadows and the demon that torments and haunts Regan. Also, with the use of loud bangs, blinding flashes of light and the use of a split ‘screen’ to show two lives unfolding before they become intertwined. Having the heartbeat in a few different scenes, built the tension and gave you goosebumps. Having the creepy, echo and menacing voiceover to the demon turned Regan from a loving daughter into a wild demonic possessed child.
The illusions, use of light and sound throughout this play brought it to life; at times making you jump in fright, at other times, your heart is in your mouth as you watch but wanting to turn away at times of the sheer evilness portrayed.
I enjoy and watch and read many horror genre materials, I puzzled at how they would bring The Exorcist to life on stage. I was not disappointed and marvelled at many of the effects and scene changes.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets cost from £13 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Exorcist is at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from 17-21 September 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow or call the box office on 0844 871 7647.
Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA | 0844 871 7647
